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Alexandra Carl

Alexandra Carl illustration 1
© Phill Taylor
Alexandra Carl illustration 2
Jacquemus Fall/Winter 2017
23/06/2017 - Monica Ainley

Alexandra Carl worked on her first styling job at just 16. Since then, the one-time model has been busy taking Scandinavian style to the next level from behind the camera with her unique part-minimal, part-eccentric point of view. Now based in London, the Danish-born stylist and creative director is today fashion director of RIKA, the biannual collector’s magazine focused on women in the arts, and bursting with arresting imagery. Alexandra met the RIKA team shortly after moving to London and embarked on an ongoing collaboration, developing the magazine together. Meanwhile, Alexandra also regularly works for international publications like W, i-D, VOGUE and brands (TOM FORD, H&M, Adidas….)

Fellow fans of Alexandra’s aesthetic might know Alexandra has not only a great stylist’s eye, but is rather handy with an iPhone cam, as evident in the steady stream eye-catching travel pics on her Instagram. Alexandra’s commitment to bringing sustainability to the forefront of the fashion conversation rounds out this multi-talent’s impressive CV. 

 

Where's the last place you travelled that inspired you? And why...

Japan - always so inspired by the people and the energy there. So many unusual scents and textures. I've always been obsessed with the structures and form of traditional Japanese fashion and I love seeing how it's merging in with the futurism of the city. I don't know any other place where past and future seems to merge together so organically. 

 

Can you describe your aesthetic in one sentence?

Sculptural minimalism with a twist 

 

We love your passion for sustainability. Can you tell us five ways to live one’s fashion life in a more sustainable way? 

⁃ Upcycle your wardrobe, get creative with re using pieces you may have forgotten about. This seasons trend of customisation and patches is an easy way to start. 

⁃ Think before you buy, do you actually need 5 tops from one high street brand in different colours or could you invest in one good quality piece which will last you longer ? In other words shop less but prioritise quality. 

⁃ Never throw clothes out !! They get dumped in landfills - Americans send 10.5 million tons of clothing to landfills every year - make the effort to take your discarded textile and clothes to a charity shop there will be several options within 10 min walk if you look it up. 

⁃ Wash your clothes at low temperature and fewer times a week to protect the environment from soap waste polluting the water 

⁃ Look for companies who are transparent about their production - if we as consumers demand knowledge about the origin of our products brands will equally increase their awareness (many companies don't know if their production include child labour or chemical dyes ) 

 

What does it mean to “buy to last” and why is it important now?

10 percent of the world’s total carbon footprint  comes from the apparel industry. (the aviation industry accounts for 2 percent.) - this is obviously a number which is way too high considering that the number is not even including the further damage clothing production has on the environment and the ton of garments dumped each year. If you buy with consideration you will help minimise this ridiculous number which is obviously in no way sustainable and which we are all responsible for - consumers as well as producers. I'm not saying "don't buy high street" or "only buy expensive things" - there are plenty of inexpensive brands which makes beautiful garments that will last you more than a month. Aesthetically as well as quality wise. It's tempting for us all to buy loads of fun items which won't make your bank account suffer but think about it - will you really need this top in 3 different colours ? It's not just bad for your wardrobe space it's also extremely bad for the environment when you dump it after 2 months because you realise you really didn't need them.

Imagine how low the carbon footprint is on a good piece of clothing ? You will probably wear it for years and maybe even pass it on to your kids or to someone you know. Like the so desired Calvin Klein pieces from the 90s I still rummage vintage shops for - 20/30 years later they still last! 

 

If you could live in any  era, when would you choose and why? 

The 70s - free spirited , musical and creative enlightenment  , people actually standing up for their beliefs in public rather than behind iPhone screens or on t-shirts ;)

 

Which artist, living or dead, do you most admire? 

Georgia O Keefe / Louise Bourgeois - for their independence and persistence 

 

Which fictional character do you most relate to?

Diane Keaton as Annie Hall  

 

What advice would you give an aspiring stylist?

Make your own rules - everyone has their own path, there is no “correct” or usual way of doing things in this profession. Find your own approach to things!

 

What were your top three favourite trends of the season? 

⁃ Checks !

⁃ Velvet

⁃ Suits suits suits 

 

If you could wear or own anything from the latest collections, which one would it be? 

Jacquemus  incredible sculptural coats from AW17

 

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